the game, the most exciting in the league this season, was bizarrely similar to the six meetings that preceded it: Full of giddyup; gripping; long, unceasing stretches of Red Wings dominance answered, in a blink, by the quitless Penguins.

Pittsburgh's 7-6 overtime win did nothing but support the notion that this is hockey's most compelling duel. (Less than 90 days to Game 8, in Pittsburgh.)